Notts: Service support Fire Sprinkler Week

Firefighters attended an incident at Carlton-in-Lindrick

Sam Chetwynd

Notts Fire and Rescue Service is calling for more active promotion of the use of sprinklers this week by supporting the first ever national Fire Sprinkler Week.

The initiative was devised by the Chief Fire Officers Association and was launched with widespread support from MPs, councillors and chief fire officers.

They have signed an open letter to Government asking for a review of provisions for fire sprinklers in building standards as well as a more proactive approach to the use of sprinkler and fire suppression systems.

The sprinkler issue is already a high priority for Notts Fire and Rescue Service, which has worked extensively with housing provider Nottingham City Homes to identify which of their properties are occupied by people who are most at risk of fire. As a result Nottingham City Homes is installing sprinklers into some of its high rise blocks and new build bungalows and flats.

The service has also invested in a number of portable misting systems which will be allocated to some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Officers from the service’s fire protection team are using Fire Sprinkler Week, 3rd-9th February, to raise awareness and promote the use of sprinklers in commercial premises.

Chief fire officer Frank Swann said: “For some time now nearly all fire and rescue services across the country have been promoting the use of sprinklers in both domestic and commercial properties.”

“Many, like us, have been working alongside partners such as housing providers to ensure sprinklers are either retro-installed as necessary or are included in the plans for new-build properties.”

“Although the issue has been on the national agenda for a while, it is important that initiatives like this are used to further promote awareness and understanding, as well as winning support from the government.”

“We are therefore pleased to support Fire Sprinkler Week and will do all we can as a service to continue to keep this issue at the forefront of people’s hearts and minds.”